Big Blue Fisheries Recalls All Smoked Products Over Botulism Concerns

Big Blue Fisheries, Llc is recalling all of its smoked products, including all lots and codes in various sizes and in vacuum packages. The recall was implemented over the possibility that the products might have been improperly cooked and have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that can lead to life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product regardless of how the product looks and smells. The recalled products may not have been fully processed; therefore, product contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens could cause people to become ill if the product is consumed.

Botulism is a potentially fatal form of food poisoning that can cause general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distension, and constipation may also occur. People experiencing these problems after consuming the recalled fish should seek immediate medical attention.

Big Blue Fisheries initiated the recall after the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) conducted a routine inspection and discovered that some of products may not have been properly cooked. No reported illnesses or consumer complaints have been reported, to date.

Big Blue Fisheries’ recalled products are sold under Big Blue Fisheries brand and as Sitka Alaska Smoked Fish and were distributed locally in Sitka, Alaska and wholesale locations nationwide from September 24, 2011 and September 24, 2013. The products were also sold online at http://alaskasmokedfish.com.

The recalled products were sold in vacuum packed plastic packages with labels located on the front of the packages that bear the pack date and AK#604. The recalled products include the following:

Product Weight: ½-pound to 1-pound:

Pepper Smoked King Salmon

Hickory Smoked King Salmon

Teriyaki Smoked King Salmon

Hickory Smoked Black Cod

Smoked Coho Salmon Bellies

Smoked King Salmon Bellies

Hickory Smoked Coho Salmon

Pepper Smoked Coho Salmon

Teriyaki Smoked Coho Salmon

Product Weight: 1-pound to 2.5 pounds:

Smoked Wild Silver (Coho) Salmon Filet

Product Weight: 1.5 pounds

Variety Smoke Pack

Consumers who have purchased the recalled Big Blue Fisheries, Llc smoked salmon products should discard or return them to the place of purchase. Big Blue Fisheries can be reached from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Alaska Time, Monday through Friday, at 1.907.966.9999.